THIS VERSION MAY BE OUTDATED - GET THE LATEST AT WWW.ROCKNET.NET.AU/~NWEST
WARNING - GEOCITIES SITE NO LONGER HAS UPDATES
UPDATES IN THIS VERSION - Car specs, car ratings, track shortcuts. These are highlighted with *** in
the contents.
EXPECTED UPDATES IN NEXT VERSION - El Nino specs (Indy Pace Car a possibility), descriptions of
tracks. This version will hopefully be available in the next week or so.
For the most recent version - e-mail me at west_nathan@hotmail.com with the subject NFS3 FAQ. I may
start a mailing list in the near future. Most references to Need For Speed 3 - Hot Pursuit are
abbreviated as NFS3. See end of FAQ for more details.
Best viewed in Notepad, with "Word Wrap" ON.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
1. Introduction
1.1 What is Need For Speed 3 - Hot Pursuit?
1.2 What type of game is NFS3?
1.3 Local Versions
1.4 Who are Electronic Arts?
2. Game Specifics
2.1 What are the minimum and recommended requirements?
2.2 Which 3D accelerators are supported?
2.3 Is MMX support included?
2.4 Which sound devices are recommended and supported?
2.5 What control devices are supported?
3. Modes
3.1 Single Player Race Modes
3.1.1 Single Race
3.1.2 Hot Pursuit
3.1.3 Knockout
3.1.4 Tournament
3.2 Multiplayer
3.2.1 Two Player on the single machine
3.2.2 Multiplayer over network/modem/serial
4. Tracks
4.1 What tracks are included?
***4.2 What are the track shortcuts?
***4.3 Why do some tracks have solid barriers that lead to other roads?
5. Vehicles
5.1 What cars are included in this version?
5.2 What cars are included in the local versions?
***5.3 What are the cars specifications?
***5.4 How do the cars rate against each other?
6. Cheat Codes *UPDATED*
7. Author & Contact Information
1. INTRODUCTION
---------------
1.1 What is Need For Speed 3 - Hot Pursuit?
Need For Speed 3 - Hot Pursuit (NFS3) is the latest version of the popular racing simulation
made by Electronic Arts. Released in September 1998, it was the follow up to two very good but
slightly flawed racing games - The Need For Speed and Need For Speed 2.
1.2 What type of game is NFS3?
NFS3 is a simulation involving the racing of high performance cars on eight tracks. All cars
have been fully licensed, and bear their proper names. All though more arcade than realistic, NFS3
will satisfy those who would like to take a luxury vehicle out for a spin.
There are two main modes in NFS3, general racing and pursuit. Hot pursuit mode is the main
update to this series. It allows you to be race on a track, chasing another vehicle(s), while
evading the police. You are able to listen in to their chatter on your scanner, and stay one step
ahead of them. However, this is not always easy with the fantastic AI included in this game.
Hot Pursuit mode also allows you to be the police. Using radar and spike belts, you must
apprehend the speeders by stopping their cars using whichever method you want. This includes
bursting their tires, or ramming them. This is my most favourite mode in the game.
Like its predecessors, NFS3 also includes modes that allow you to race against other high
powered machines without the hindrance of the police.
1.3 Local Versions
EA have produced several different versions of NFS3, depending on the country you live in,
or where you buy the game. The Australian version (the one I play) contains two extra cars, the Ford
GT Falcon, and the Holden HSV GTS. If anyone knows if these replace any other cars, please tell me.
In America, the version sold in Wal-Mart also has a different car, the Indy pace car.
EA have released versions specific for Australia, France, Germany, Spain, Sweden and
possibly others. This is due to the native language or the side of the road that you drive on.
I DO NOT HAVE A CRACK FOR THIS GAME, SO DO NOT BOTHER ASKING ME FOR ONE (this has occured a couple
of times). Go and buy it, only $AUS49. :-)
1.4 Who are Electronic Arts?
Electronic Arts (EA) are one the largest software publishers in the world. Westwood, EA
Sports and BullFrog are their most known brands/studios. Their FIFA Soccer, Triple Play, NHL, NBA
Live and Madden NFL series are best sellers in their categories. EA are also known for their
non-sport titles, including Dungeon Keeper, Theme Hospital, and Syndicate Wars, just to name a few.
2. GAME SPECIFICS
-----------------
2.1 What are the minimum and recommended requirements?
They are (as provided by EA) -
Minimum Requirements
* 166 MHz Pentium class processor or compatible (Cyrix, AMD) or 133 MHz Pentium class processor with
graphics acceleration.
* 90 Mb free hard drive space
* 16 Mb RAM
* 4x CD-ROM
* DirectX 5.0 or higher, 1 Mb video card, keyboard
* Windows 95/98 NOT NT (due to DirectX constrictions)
Recommended Requirements
* 200 MHz Pentium class processor or compatible
* 110 Mb free hard drive space
* 32 Mb RAM
* 3DFX graphics accelerator card, 16-Bit Sound Card, Mouse, Joystick
For Multiplayer Mode, the following are required -
* Network (2-8 player): 200 MHz or faster, IPX compliant network
* Modem (2): 28800bps or faster modem, high-speed serial port
* Serial (2): Null modem cable, high-speed serial port
* All with 32Mb RAM
2.2 Which 3D accelerators are supported?
Any Direct3D or 3DFX video card is supported by NFS3. However, for maximum compatibility,
video cards with the Voodoo, Voodoo Rush, Voodoo 2, Riva 128, Intel i740, or ATI Rage Pro chipsets
are recommended. I personally play with a Cirrus Logic Laguna 4Mb card, and it runs fairly smoothly
in 640x480.
AGP or at least 8Mb on-card memory (depends on chipset) are required for the realistic
dashboards to be seen in 3D accelerated mode. There has been a lot of discussion on the Internet
relating to this, as many see it silly that 8Mb is needed just to see a dashboard. The dashboard can
be seen in software render mode. I can see the dashboard with only 4Mb of card RAM, but this is
because it is an AGP card.
2.3 Is MMX support included?
On what can be seen as a back-flip by EA, MMX is not supported by NFS3. Need For Speed 2 SE
did have MMX support, however, it has been removed in this version. This may be sign of how
overhyped it was by Intel, or there was not enough time to implement it. After seeing Unreal with
MMX, I believe that it is a good thing to support.
2.4 Which sound devices are recommended and supported?
Both Dolby Surround sound and Creative Environmental Audio are supported in NFS3. Many
believe that there is not much difference between these devices, and ordinary ones on the market. I
have not heard the difference, so I am unable to comment. Normal soundcards are supported.
2.5 What control devices are supported?
NFS3 supports the mouse, keyboard, and Windows 95/98 compatible gamepads or joysticks. It is
recommended that 10 or more buttons is available on the gamepad. The game handles well on the
keyboard, so it is not necessary to buy one of these devices to play it.
Force Feedback is also supported for those lucky enough to own one.
3. MODES
--------
3.1 Single Player Race Modes
3.1.1 Single Race
This is the mode that most will want to try first. It allows you to race against a certain
number of cars on any track. You are able to drive for 2, 4 or 8 laps, competing against the fastest
sports cars in the world.
3.1.2 Hot Pursuit
This mode allows you to be chased, or do the chasing. As the one being chased, you must
evade the police as well as stay ahead of your competitor(s). The cops start chasing you once you
drive recklessly, speed or drive on the wrong side. You start with a certain limit of tickets
depending on the number of laps. Valuable time is wasted when being booked. It you are exceed the
number of allowed tickets, then you are arrested, ending the game.
When acting as the police doing the chasing, you can use your radar and spike belts to
find and stop the offenders. You can even turn on your siren and flashing lights! Only certain cars
can be used in pursuit mode, and those starting with "pursuit" are used for being the police. The
others make you the speeder.
3.1.3 Knockout
You start with seven other competitors, and try to finish the 2-lap races as high in the
ladder as you can. The last placed car after each race is eliminated, until their are only two
left.
3.1.4 Tournament
This mode consists of eight 4-lap races, all taking place on different tracks. The driver
with the highest score at the end of the tournament is the winner.
3.2 Multiplayer Modes
3.2.1 Two Player on the single machine
Two people are able to race against each other on the one machine using split screen play.
All of the modes in single player are available in both types of multiplayer modes. Warning - Split
Screen mode effects the performance of the game, slowing it down. It is only recommended if using a
high-class processor or 3D card.
3.2.2 Multiplayer over network/modem/serial
Network, Modem and Serial multiplayer are supported by NFS3. A minimum of a Pentium 200
(or equivalent) with 32Mb RAM is required, as well as a 28800bps or faster modem for modem play.
SORRY, TRACK DESCRIPTIONS WILL BE IN THE NEXT UPDATE, NOT THIS ONE AS PREVIOUSLY ADVERTISED :-(
4.2 What are the track shortcuts?
These shortcuts either save you valuable time, waste time, or provide an alternative route. If you
discover any other shortcuts in the game, please notify me and I will give you credit in the next
update.
Hometown - When approaching the first covered bridge soon after the start, there is a alternative
route to the left that goes beside the bridge and the fence. The car tends to jump when exiting this
shortcut, so it may actually waste time.
Atlantica - Soon after the rock EA sign, the road splits into two, rejoins, then splits into two
again. On this second split, stay in the right lane, and you will see a path to the right made of
wood. Go through this shortcut, and you save time.
Redrock Ridge - When approaching the hairpin with the very high rock in the middle, there is a gap
between this rock and the wall. This provides another hairpin that is shorter than the real one,
providing valuable time.
Country Woods - Just before one of the long hairpins, there is a forest of trees to the right. The
small fence enclosing these trees is open here, allowing you to enter this shortcut. You must
carefully drive through these trees, as some are close together. Your car will appear on the other
side of the hairpin. This is the best shortcut found in the game.
The second shortcut can only be used when the track is in "backwards" mode. There is a hairpin that
can be seen on the large normal map on the bottom left. The two roads are very close together,
although they differ in height. As soon as you pass the small fence, drive off this ledge, and fall
on to the lower road. Recover the car (using 'R'), then drive off. This trick does save time when
using a car with good acceleration.
Lost Canyon - When approaching the temple ruins (Indian?), drive up the stairs and jump of them. Be
careful where you aim the car, as it is very easy to slam into one of the pillars after the jump.
The longer way is often the better way!
Aquatica - There is a road in this track that curves to the left, and is surrounded by a fence to
the left, and a giant wall to the right. As the curve begins to straighten out, there is a path to
the right that provides an alternate route. This route does not give you much time, and may actually
be slower.
Empire City - Just after the start, before you enter the turn, there is a small gap to your left.
After going through this, there is another shortcut behind the flashing lights ahead of you. The
third shortcut is near the end of the lap. It can be found at the end of the second set of multiple
pillars that separate the lanes. As the pillars finish, a wall on the right made of wood(?) can be
seen. Just as this wall finishes, there is another one made of wood, with grafiti on it (trust those
American youth :-) ). This wall can be knocked down by your car, and reveals the last shortcut of
this track. The end of this shortcut consists of a small jump, so be careful as you exit.
Thanks to Will Vosti and his NFS3 Playstation FAQ for shortcut locations in Empire City, Aquatica,
and Atlantica.
4.3 Why do some tracks have solid barriers that lead to other roads?
Although there are nine tracks in NFS3, you may have noticed how certain tracks look similar. This
is because that two different tracks actually consist of the one general layout. For example,
Hometown and Country Woods come from the same layout, as they both share certain streets. Another
example is Redrock Ridge and the Lost Canyon. Both tracks include the section where the road is
divided by rocks jutting out of the middle of the road.
The solid barriers in the game are the turnoffs for the other tracks. These are not shortcuts, but
are instead the roads for the other tracks.
This description may be a bit confusing, email me if you are a bit confused.
5. VEHICLES
-----------
5.1 What cars are included in this version?
The default cars included in NFS3 are (plus some secret ones) -
* 98 Corvette C5
* Aston Martin DB7
* Jaguar XK8
* Mercedes SL600
* Italdesign Scighera
* Ferrari 355F1 Spider
* Ferrari 550 Maranello
* Lamborghini Countach 25th
* Lamborghini Diablo SV
* Jaguar Sport XJR-15
* Mercedes CLK GTR
5.2 What cars are included in the local versions?
The Australian version includes these cars -
* Ford GT Falcon
* Holden HSV GTS
If anyone could provide details on other versions, please email me.
5.3 What are the cars specifications?
These are the specs that are included in the game. If you want more engine detail (horsepower etc)
then contact me and I may include them in the next update. Notice the difference in units when
listing the Ford and Holden. Dimensions are Length x Width x Height.
Chevrolet Corvette
------------------
Cost - $US38,060
Weight - 3245 lbs
Dimensions - 179.1 x 73.6 x 47.7 inches
Top Speed - 175 miles/hr
0 - 60 miles/hr - 4.7 sec
0 - 100 miles/hr - n/a
Aston Martin
------------
Cost - $US130,000
Weight - 3913 lbs
Dimensions - 182.9 x 72 x 48.7 inches
Top Speed - 165 mph
0 - 60 mph - 5.6 sec
0 - 100 mph - n/a
Ferrari 355F1 Spider
--------------------
Cost - $US140,000
Weight - 2976 lbs
Dimensions - 167.3 x 74.8 x 46.1 inches
Top Speed - 183 mph
0 - 60 mph - 4.6 sec
0 - 100 mph - 10.5 sec
Ferrari 550 Maranello
---------------------
Cost - $US204,000
Weight - 3726 lbs
Dimensions - 179.1 x 76.2 x 50.3 inches
Top Speed - 199 mph
0 - 60 mph - 4.3 sec
0 - 100 mph - 11.2 sec
Ford GT Falcon
--------------
Cost - $AUD69,500
Weight - 1698 kg
Length - 4.931 x 1.888 x 1.394 metres
Top Speed - 235 km/h
0 - 60 mph - 7.7 sec
0 - 100 mph - 18.5 sec
Holden HSV GTS
--------------
Cost - $AUD71,950
Weight - 1764 kg
Dimensions - 4.918 x 1.824 x 1.404 metres
Top Speed - 255 km/h
0 - 60 mph - 6.59 sec
0 - 100 mph - 14.25 sec
Italdesign Scighera
-------------------
Cost - not for sale
Weight - 3197 lbs
Dimensions - 170.1 x 78 x 45.1 inches
Top Speed - 186+ mph
0 - 60 mph - 3.7 sec
0 - 100 mph - n/a
There are a number of sites on the Internet that allow you to download cars and add them to the
game. Cars such as hearses, pursuit cars, Porches, and BMWs are available. The files must be placed
in Gamedata\Carmodel in its own four-letter directory.
My favourite site is Hacked Speed 3, at http://nfscheats.com/hs3. Here you can find over 100 cars
and other important files. You can find a link to my web site at this site on the "LINKS" page.
EA promised to add official cars to its site, and so far have to new ones. The URL for this site is
http://www.needforspeed.com.
5.4 How do the cars rate against each other?
The figures are derived from the comparison section included in the game. I have rated each
specification out of 5, 1 being poor and 5 being excellent. The figures seem to have been "made up"
by EA, as they seem to similar to be real. However, I have included them for reference.
The results are in this order - Acceleration, Top Speed, Handling, Braking
Type these cheats in the main menu. Note - when the cheats with the prefix "Go" are used, no matter
what car you select in the menu, you will race with the cheat car. Some of these cheats are
permanent. If this looks like it is from your webpage, please notify me so I can include credit.
Cars Enable all cars
Elnino Enables the bonus car El Niño
Empire Enables the bonus track Empire City
Gofast Makes your car go fast in Single Race
Merc Enables the Mercedes CLK-GTR
Rushhour Increase the traffic
Go01 Mazda Miata
Go02 Toyota Landcruiser
Go03 Cargo Truck
Go04 BMW
Go05 Plymouth Cuda
Go06 Ford Pickup
Go07 Jeep Cherokee
Go08 Ford Van
Go09 Ford Mustang
Go10 Chevy Pickup
Go11 Range Rover/Land Rover Discovery
Go12 School Bus
Go13 Taxi Cab
Go14 Chevy Cargo Van
Go15 Volvo 850
Go16 Mercedes Sedan
Go17 Crown Victoria Cop Car
Go18 Mitsubishi Eclipse Cop Car
Go19 Grand Am Cop Car
Go20 Range Rover Cop Car/Land Rover Discovery Cop Car
Go21 Cargo Truck
Thanks to Jonathan Payne for these new cheats -
monkey traffic drive carelessly
bullhorn cops yell at you
driver get the Mercedes
jag get the Jaguar XJR-15
7. Author & Contact Information
Hi! I'm Nathan West, and the author of this FAQ, my first one. If you have any ideas please don't
hesitate to e-mail me at -
west_nathan@hotmail.com with the subject NFS3 FAQ
New versions of this FAQ are available at -
http://www.rocknet.net.au/~nwest
There are no guarantees that the information found in this FAQ is correct. Below is the info I have
collected over the Internet, which may be false. If something is wrong in this FAQ, then please
contact me at the address at the end of the FAQ. This is my first one, so please be kind. If you
have any questions or information you would like to see in this FAQ, please contact me.
This document Copyright 1998 Nathan West.
Copy this document to your heart's content, but only in full, and with no modifications.
